General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Election Address. General Synod. House of Laity.
My name is Mike Hodson, and I am standing for election to the General Synod, House of Laity, because I believe deeply in the future of the Church of England — a future which must be rooted in strong parish life, confident Christian values, and diligent stewardship of our shared and limited resources. I offer myself for service as someone shaped by a lifetime of duty, discipline, and commitment to the common good, and as a layperson who has seen first-hand both the challenges and the extraordinary latent potential within our parishes that can be grown with the focussed attention of a dedicated incumbent.
I am a retired senior soldier, and my years in uniform taught me the value of integrity, teamwork, and clear-sighted leadership. Military service instils a deep understanding of responsibility: the responsibility to those we serve alongside, to the communities we protect, and to the principles we uphold. These values continue to guide me in my Christian life and in my volunteering within the Church. I am standing because I strongly believe that we must invest in parishes to have the right people on the ground to carry the story of Jesus to parishioners and to care for those that need support. Too many diocese are balancing the books by reducing stipendiary payments and selling capital assets.
I am an active churchgoer and have long been involved in the life of my parish. I currently serve on my Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod, and the Bishop’s Council of Bath and Wells, roles that have given me a clear understanding of how decisions made (or not) nationally affect ministry locally. I have seen the dedication of clergy and lay leaders who work tirelessly to sustain worship, pastoral care, outreach, and community presence. I have also seen the pressures they face: financial strain, administrative burden, and the sense that national priorities sometimes drift away from the realities of parish life.
My central conviction is simple: the Church of England must invest in its parishes. The parish system is not an outdated relic; it is the backbone of our mission. It is where people encounter Christ in worship, fellowship, and service. It is where baptisms, weddings, funerals, and pastoral care take place. It is where the lonely find companionship, the grieving find comfort, and the searching find hope. If we weaken the parish, we weaken the Church.
This means investing in clergy — not only in their wellbeing, but in their formation. We must train new priests, and we must train them well. Vocations are rising in some areas, but too many dioceses struggle to resource curacy posts or sustain stipendiary ministry. A Church that does not invest in its future ministers is a Church that risks diminishing its future. I will advocate strongly for national strategies that prioritise clergy recruitment, training, and on- going support. This is a long- term initiative, it takes upwards of 7 years to train a potential priest.
I also believe the Church must be transparent, accountable, and wise in its financial decisions. The recent commitment of £100 million for slavery reparations is a significant and morally serious undertaking. The history of slavery and the Church’s involvement in it must be acknowledged with honesty and humility. However, I believe we must reassess the scale, structure, and implications of this commitment. Any major financial initiative must be weighed carefully against the urgent needs of parishes, clergy, and diocesan mission. Reparative justice is important- where justified, but it must be pursued in a way that strengthens — rather than inadvertently weakens — the Church’s ability to serve communities today. I will press for a thorough, transparent review of this programme, ensuring that it is morally grounded, financially responsible, and aligned with the Church’s core mission.
My approach to Synod will be shaped by three principles:

1. Service over ideology. I am not aligned with any faction or pressure group other than Save the Parish. My loyalty is to the Church, parishes, and to the people we serve.
2. Listening before speaking. Good decisions come from understanding the lived experience of parishes, clergy, and laypeople. I will listen carefully and speak plainly.
3. Stewardship with courage. The Church faces difficult choices. We must be brave enough to make them — but wise enough to make them well.

I am offering myself as someone who will work constructively, respectfully, and diligently. My military background has taught me to remain calm under pressure, to analyse problems clearly, and to act decisively when needed. My experience in diocesan governance has shown me how vital it is that Synod members understand both the national picture and, almost more importantly, the local reality. My faith teaches me that hope is not naïve optimism but the steady confidence that God is at work even in challenging times.
If elected, I will serve with commitment, humility, and determination. I shall therefore be grateful for your support.

baptisms,clergy recruitment,curacy,dioceses,justice,mission,outreach,reparations,save the parish,stewardship,stipendiary,vocations